Jean-Francois Dupras from Canmore just got back from summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on December 12, as part of his goal to climb the seven summits of the highest peaks on each continent for mental health awareness.

So far he has summited Mount Denali in Alaska last summer on June 23. Dupras said he has yet to climb mountains Elbrouz in August 2019 and Aconcagua in January 2020. The remaining three summits include Vinson, Puncak Jaya and Everest.

“I wasn’t expecting to have such a powerful experience on Mt Kilimanjaro. I knew from what I read that it wasn’t a difficult mountain to climb. I never anticipated having such a strong connection with the Tanzanians. The people, I met during my adventure were so friendly, caring and loving, that I felt like a part of their family.

We faced four days of heavy rain prior to our summit day. Technically the climbing wasn’t hard, but mentally I had to keep a positive attitude in order to deal with the cold and wet temperatures.

“My team of porters and my guide had really limited gear and equipment. No matter the rain, the hard conditions and the difficulty of their job, they always kept a positive attitude and you could always see a beautiful smile on their faces. Through their strength I learned that no matter what life throws at you it is possible to be happy.

The evening prior to the summit day I could feel the effects of altitude with a headache, nausea and stomach pain.

“After four hours of walking, suddenly there was nowhere else to go, and I had made it to the roof of Africa. I was touched by such a powerful sense of happiness and accomplishment. I immediately forgot about the rain, the cold, the difficulties and the effect of altitude. At that point, I was fully living the present moment. The views from the summit were just so beautiful. When I took out my banner from my bag, I was again hit by a strong wave of emotions,” said Dupras.

He urges people to remember that no matter the difficulties or challenges you may be facing, the sun will always shine above the clouds.

“Depression has taught me to fully appreciate life, and to always remember that within us we have the power to create the life of our dream.”

Through a partnership with the Canadian mental health Association in the Calgary region he raised just over $13,000 aiming to raise awareness about mental health.

“I really hope to inspire the population with my adventures to believe in their dreams and passions. In partnership with the Fédération du sport francophone de l’Alberta (FSFA), we are working together to encourage youth to live an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Anyone that is interested can make a donation at www.jean-francois.dupras.com or can donate to CMHA-Calgary region.